On Nov. 4, 2025, Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the opening ceremony of the Preparatory Japanese Language Training (PJLT) for the 18th batch of Filipino candidates for nurse and certified careworker positions under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

In his remarks, Ambassador Endo said Japan is honored to welcome Filipino healthcare workers. He noted that the EPA candidates will serve as a bridge between the two nations through people-to-people exchange and contribute to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations. The ambassador also encouraged the candidates to focus on their studies over the next six months, as the knowledge and skills they gain will lay the foundation for their success in Japan.

Also present were Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Language Skills Center Administrator Mitzi G. Samson-Endriano, Nihongo Center Foundation Inc. (NCF) President Philip B. Sanvictores, Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) Director Suzuki Ben, and Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS) Managing Director Kataoka Yoshikazu.

A total of 225 candidates will undergo six months of PJLT to learn the Japanese language, culture, and social etiquette before their deployment to Japan. The training, conducted online by JFM and NCF, is free of charge for the participants.

Upon arrival in Japan, the candidates will receive another six months of Japanese language training before their assignments in hospitals and caregiving facilities. Those who pass Japan’s national examination for nurses or certified caregivers may extend their employment beyond the initial period under the JPEPA program.